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A review by anoriega
Maame by Jessica George
3.0
Maddie has lived a sheltered life for the majority of her adolescence and now as a 25-year-old. Her conservative Ghanan roots have led her to live a relatively private and isolated life. Affectionally nicknamed “Maame” from the time she was a little girl, Maddie takes on the weight of being the responsible one from a young age especially as her family dynamics start changing. She has an interesting relationship with her father, an introverted silent man who keeps to himself and barely talks to his own wife or kids. When he’s diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Maddie takes on the role of caregiver dutifully tending to her father for several years at the expense of her own social life and growth. I liked how depression, grief, mental health, and generational trauma were explored and discussed. Maddie was relatable and I laughed at the text exchanges between her and her mother. I don’t know much about Ghanan culture but it was interesting getting a glimpse into their traditions and values (I thought there were a lot of shared similarities with Latin American countries). I think I enjoyed the beginning and last half of the book overall; the middle seemed to move a bit fast and had a lot going on. Overall a solid read and I’m glad it was selected for my book club!